In brief
A memorial of flowers and condolence notes has been erected at Brown University, where a shooting claimed two lives and injured others. Victims MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook are remembered fondly by peers, with tributes and prayers planned by the campus community as investigations continue into the gunman.
A makeshift shrine of flowers and condolence cards has been set up outside the Brown University building where a gunman killed two students and wounded nine others, with the Ivy League school and surrounding community trying to make sense of the tragedy.As investigators pursue clues about the gunman, who remained at large after fleeing the scene of the Saturday shooting, new details emerged about the victims, MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook. “Both were brilliant and beloved,” said university President Christina Paxson in a statement. “Our hearts are with them in their profound sorrow.” Students and staff are planning tributes, including an online interfaith prayer service and a larger memorial when classes resume after winter break.Umurzokov, an 18-year-old freshman from Virginia, aspired to enter medicine after overcoming significant health challenges in his childhood. His sister shared that he dedicated himself to helping immigrant students during his time at Brown.Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Alabama, was an accomplished pianist majoring in French, math, and economics. Known for her kind spirit, she is mourned by her peers and church community.As for the wounded, one had been released from the hospital as of Sunday, with most remaining in stable condition. Jacob Spears, a freshman from Georgia, is recovering after surgery, with hopes he will fully recover.Amidst this tragedy, the resilience of the Brown community shines through as they support one another in healing.
